Page 47 of Rake

Bridget’s bubbliness is contagious, and she and Sasha have an energetic conversation about Bridget’s shoes.

“I have great feet for ballet, but not for shoes,” she says, laughing. “And I stand like a penguin after all the turn outs.” She shrugs.

“I think they’re beautiful.” Sasha’s voice is soft and light. Probably from the wine. “I always wanted to take dance when I was young. I was too clumsy for sports, but I always liked dancing.”

“You should do it now,” Bridget says. “Come to my studio some time. We do all kinds of beginner classes. Not just ballet.”

The irony of the easy domesticity of this scene doesn’t escape me. If we were different people, watching my date and my favorite sister get along so well would be heartwarming. But Sasha isn’t any date, and she certainly won’t be interacting with my sister again. I almost regret what their friendship could have been like.

My father waves to me as the women talk. I excuse myself and head over.

“This is Frank Harvey from the Globe, and of course you know Senator Kensington.”

Senator Kensington is our primary investor. I smile graciously at both men.

“I’d like them to meet your date, Finn. Can you bring her over?”

My father exchanges a smug look with Kensington.

Sasha is unhappy to be removed from my sister, and I don’t blame her. Bridget drifts over to another group of people who light up at her presence.

“Mr. Harvey, Senator Kensington, this is Ms. Sasha Saunders.”

Senator Kensington licks his lips and I’m overcome with the urge to hit him. Bad idea, but the desire is there.

“The gentlemen were concerned when they heard the staff were interested in organizing, Miss Saunders, and I told them you were here with Finn and they were delighted.”

“He’s got quite the reputation,” Kensington says, laughing dismissively. “Now, Sasha, what’s a smart labor organizer like you doing getting caught up with this one?”

Harvey is watching with interest. He wants to know if there’s a story here. Bold move of my father to set Sasha up like this. Does he think she won’t know who these men are?

A beautiful smile spreads across her pretty face. She takes a sip of her wine and slips her arm through mine. My father’s smugness, impossibly, seems to increase.

“Finn’s a very intelligent man,” she says.

But with her next words, time seems to slow. “We’ve been talking about labor theory and practices. Anyway, Mr. Harvey,” she says, addressing the newspaper man. “I’m sure your readers would love to know what’s going on with the organizing. It’s always such a fraught process, though you’ll be glad to know that Mr. Carney has assured me that he’ll absolutely respect his staff’s right to unionize and is excited to work with the bargaining unit after a fair election. In fact—” she takes another sip of wine— “he told me earlier tonight that the election is happening next week. I’ve been in touch with the NLRB and they’re thrilled to have his cooperation.”

Christ.

My father’s face starts to go red, starting from the neck and moving up. He’s going to murder her, and probably me too now. This was his fuck-up, but he’ll still put the blame on me. What was he thinking, baiting her like that? It’s so stupid to underestimate your opponents.

“Is that so?” Harvey says. “That’s a surprise, Jim. Last I heard you were threatening lawsuits and mass firings.”

My father laughs, trying to regain any kind of upper hand.

Sasha’s hand is trembling on my arm. She’s terrified. Brave, but stupid scared. Rightfully so. She’s probably doomed herself and her brother. Where’s the sense in it? Rage builds in my spine. Why does she have to be so goddamn difficult? Why can’t she just follow my lead and do what I tell her to do?

I smile placidly as my mind races with all of the ways in which I want Sasha to do what she’s told. She’s not getting away with undermining me again.

“Well, we’ll see what the staff decide,” he says. “We’re hoping they’d prefer to negotiate directly with us, and I’m sure they’ll see the wisdom in that. Finn, could you meet me in my office tomorrow evening?”

I nod, and my father waves me off.

“Do you have any idea what he’s going to do to you? To your brother? Even I can’t help you now,” I growl at Sasha.

She tosses back the rest of her wine and puts the glass on the table.

“You were never going to help me, Finn. You don’t give a shit about me or my brother. I’m just another woman for you to use in your quest to either please or piss off Daddy.”

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